Ah, the joys of a beach vacation – the warm sand between your toes, the refreshing sea breeze, and the soothing sound of waves crashing. We all look forward to these blissful moments. But for every idyllic beach experience, there are some unexpected troubles lurking out there, such as sunburn, bug bites, and the dreaded jellyfish or man o’ war stings.
If you’ve ever been stung by a jellyfish or man o’ war, you know just how painful and alarming it can be. Certain jellyfish stings – like those from the box jellyfish – can even be fatal. Man o’ war stings usually aren’t deadly, but they can cause symptoms like:
- Abdominal pain
- Pulse changes
- Chest pain
- Collapse
- Headache
- Muscle pain and muscle spasms
- Numbness and weakness
- Pain in the arms or legs
- A raised red spot at the site of the sting
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Swallowing difficulty
- Sweating
Man o’ war sightings are common at many U.S. beaches, from Florida to New Jersey on the east coast, as well as in Hawaii and the southern Pacific coast. Recognizable by their bright blue color, these fascinating but dangerous creatures can be tempting to pick up and examine – a crucial mistake, as their stings are incredibly painful.
Having the knowledge of what to do if you’re stung by a man o’ war is essential before you head to the beach, especially because the best remedy might surprise you.
Dispelling myths and misconceptions
You might have heard various urban legends over the years, but do you know which recommendations are actually effective against jellyfish and man o’ war stings? For starters, you should know that urinating on the sting – a rather disgusting “remedy” that circulated for years – actually makes the pain worse, as shown in a 2011 study.
Perhaps you’ve also heard that man o’ war stings should be treated differently from jellyfish stings, with experts cautioning against using vinegar and recommending seawater instead. However, a recent study from the University of Hawai’i- Mānoa challenges this notion.
The best remedy for man o’ war stings
Researchers have discovered that the best approach to treating man o’ war stings is the same as it is for jellyfish stings. Follow these steps if you’re stung by either of these dangerous sea creatures:
- Rinse the sting with vinegar to remove any residual stingers or bits of tentacle.
- Immerse the affected area in hot water (113°F) or apply a hot pack for 45 minutes.
According to the researchers, the vinegar rinse helps lessen the venom at the sting site, while heat application deactivates the venom that’s already been injected into your body.
Another option is to use Sting No More® Spray, a product that researchers say is even more effective at inhibiting venom. However, this product is primarily available online – you’ll need to plan ahead and purchase it before you hit the beach.
Importantly, avoid rinsing the sting with seawater and refrain from applying ice packs, as both of these practices will make the sting much worse and can ruin an otherwise pleasant beach day.
Be prepared and stay vigilant
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to deal with jellyfish and man o’ war stings, you can enjoy your beach vacation with confidence. However, you should always be cautious and watch your surroundings – after all, it’s best to avoid these beautiful yet dangerous sea creatures in the first place. Keep an eye out, stay vigilant, and have a safe and enjoyable time at the beach!
